KALAMAZOO, MI....Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation recently announced its new UltraShift® PLUS automated transmissions are an available option on select models of Freightliner Trucks' Cascadia® on-highway Class 8 truck. The Cascadia is specifically designed to be aerodynamically efficient for fuel economy. 

The UltraShift PLUS transmission is available on the Cascadia 125••••• bumper to the back of cab (BBC) equipped with the Detroit Diesel DD13®, DD15® or DD16® engine, as well as the Cascadia 113••••• BBC equipped with the DD13. 

"We're pleased to further enhance the fuel efficiency and performance of the Cascadia with the ability of the UltraShift PLUS to expertly manage power from the engine to the rest of the drivetrain," said Shane Groner, North America product planning manager for Eaton's Commercial Vehicle Transmission Division. "The intelligent logic of the UltraShift PLUS is based upon thousands of hours of programming and decades of experience in designing and manufacturing transmissions for linehaul and off-highway applications." 

Freightliner's data book has included Eaton's earlier automated transmission offerings – the AutoShift® and UltraShift – as well as Eaton's Fuller®  manual transmissions. This latest addition is specific to Eaton’s UltraShift PLUS Linehaul Active Shifting (LAS), Multipurpose High Performance (MHP) and Multipurpose Extreme Performance (MXP) models. Each model family is configured to meet the safety, performance, reliability, profitability and driver comfort needs unique to linehaul applications. The LAS, MHP and MXP models are available in 10, 13 and 18 speeds and up to 2,250 lbs./ft. of torque capacity. Unlimited gross combination weight is available with 18-speed platforms.

Other platforms within the UltraShift PLUS family are exclusively tailored for the demands of off-highway, vocational applications and include the Vocational Construction Series (VCS), Vocational Multipurpose Series (VMS) and Vocational Extreme Performance (VXP) models. The UltraShift PLUS transmission will be available on other on-highway and vocational Freightliner truck models within the year.

All of Eaton's UltraShift PLUS transmissions, available in overdrive and direct-drive models, feature use of a new self-adjusting electronic clutch actuator for fast, smooth engagements. Intelligent shift selection software employs grade sensing, weight computation and driver throttle commands to make shift decisions for efficient, safe and profitable vehicle performance. Other benefits include: 

• a Hill Start Aid feature to prevent rolling while on steep grades and allow for a controlled launch;

• automatic, manual and low mode selections offer control options to the driver;  

• a creep feature for significantly improved maneuverability with continuous low-speed control;

• six- and eight-bolt, as well as thru-shaft power take off (PTO) available; and

• an oil level sight glass to easily check fluid levels.

For more information on Eaton transmissions and other Roadranger® products and services, visit www.roadranger.com, where the latest product information is available, as well as service, parts and training assistance, 24 hours a day. Experts are available in the Roadranger Call Center by dialing 1-800-826-HELP (4357) in the U.S. and Canada.  In Mexico, dial 01-800-826-4357.